, 1887-12-31
"To the Editor Of the st. Oroir AviS."
Dear Sir
Dear Sir,

Dear Sir,
It was only a few days before the races
that Ihad any hope of being able to attend.
l tried in vain to get a horse, for all had
been previously engaged. When was
almost despairing, however, a friend kindly
offered to place one at my disposal, which
1 thankfully accepted. Would your read
ers like to know what charger I. rode?.
Presuming they would | beg to mention
that it was no less than the famous little
'SurpriSe,o winner of two OR three races.
| confess [ was u little nervous when [
mounted, as my -horsenanship is not envi-
able, and [ had apprehensiOns that he
might get excited and clay out" and folks
would have had the benefit of witnessing
a modern John Gilpin. So [ held a firm
rein, and kept ID cool head and was so far
prepared fOr what might follow.
He behaved well, however, and as gain
Ell confidence | was able to doff my SOmbre-
so neLicanG to passing friends, whereas
before | could only nod and smile my salu-
tali0ns.
[ arrived at Long Point quite in time,
and already the ground was crowded.
1t was very pleasant to meet triends
whom one had not seen for a long time.
Everybody seemed happy and cheerful
L y OENInCh ~ Jug IACiHC. AdhluS ~ SS"oo
of wine with ones friends and exchanging
mutual good wishes, partaking of a bit Of
the remnant of the Christmas turkey and
other good things, and having a pleasant
chat generally, was all highly enjoyable.
Enough of preface. | regret very much
to say that | can give you but. q poor &C
count OF the races, as from my point of
observation [ was unable to see as we'll as
] could have wished. In stature [ must
be somewhat like that person OF whom
we read in Scripture who sought the sycf-
more tree. About his weight we have no
knowledge, but as [ represent 156 avoir-
dupoiS ! did not consider it safe or prudent
to stand upon carriage wheels, holding on
like grim death to prevent myself from
falling, particularly when one is surround
ed by vicious horses. 1t is by no means
a comfortable position, but | would have
run the risk aud borne the discomfort, had
l been in possession of an accident insur-
ance policy; not having one, however, l
gave the horses a wide berth and took up
my position near the starting pole, where
l was pfetty we'll baked by the sun:
what a position for the representative OF
the Press!
. After the preliminaries, ringing of the
bell SC. the following horses stepped out
to contest for the "St. Croix Cup'' viz.
: '"GiRsy,' "Diana," Pepper" "Dolce
BELIEF and "Joe." "Bonaparte' and "Blue
Pigeon being sick wese not present.
When they were thought into position
"Gipsy' was qufvering like u leaf, so an
xious was she for the start. ''Joe" was in
splendid condition, and the precaution was
taken to put double bits upon him so that
he could be better handled in case he at
tempted to bolt. | believe he Was the
favQurite. .
Al the word go, "Gipsy" bounded. away
like Rdeer, closely followed. by. "Diana,"
"Peppeir" next, and "Dolce Belle" doing
her utmost to keep their company. "Joe"
started last, his jockey keeping him we'll
IN hand; he dashed out beautifully, his
jockey riding superbly.
But afew seconds elapsed, however, wnen
there was a cry of.alarm. RidSfs sisd horse
had fallen, the former apparently llfeIess.
ssJoen had come in collision with one OF the
soldiers horses just at the first bend, near.
IL OPPOSITE the grand. stand. me morse
was somewhat disabled and was Leu away.
The rider was quickly removed ana taken
70 che weigh room, where he was promptly
attended to by some gentlemen, and was